The 82-square-mile quarantine for melon fruit flies is near Mettler, about 25 miles south of Bakersfield. It went into effect this week.

Authorities say residents in the zone should not move plants and fruits that host the flies from their properties unless it meets treatment and screening protocols. About 5,400 pounds of fruit from two residential properties where flies were found last week and an adjacent peach grove have been removed.

The Asian melon fly feeds on more than 100 different plant species.

State Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura says the fly is not often found in California.